Tension in South-East as Police Warn of Possible Sit-at-Home Return, IPOB Fires Back

BY TAIBAT UMMI YAKUBU

The Nigeria Police Force has raised concerns over a possible return of the controversial Monday sit-at-home order in the South-East, particularly Imo State, following an alleged plan linked to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

However, IPOB has rejected the allegation, describing the purported police intelligence report as fabricated and demanding evidence to support the claims.

The warning was contained in an intelligence report dated October 9, 2026, addressed to the Inspector-General of Police at the Force Headquarters in Abuja. The document, titled “Threat By IPOB/ESN To Resume Attack In The South-East And Imo State In Particular,” expressed concern about a possible resumption of the sit-at-home order from Monday, October 12.

According to the report, police intelligence operatives intercepted a voice note in which an unidentified individual allegedly urged residents of the South-East, especially those in Imo State, to suspend business activities and stay away from other engagements on the specified day.

The report further alleged that the plan was intended to revive the Monday shutdown as a means of mounting pressure on the government to secure the release of detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

The document stated that the group had allegedly concluded plans to resume the sit-at-home protest in support of Kanu, who remains in detention.

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Despite the warning, the allegations had not been independently verified at the time the report was filed, and the identity of the individual behind the purported voice note was not established in the information available.

In a response issued on Monday, October 12, IPOB denied any plan to reinstate or enforce the sit-at-home order, dismissing the claims attributed to the police intelligence report.

The group’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, challenged the police to produce the original audio recording and provide evidence establishing a link between the alleged message and IPOB or ESN.

IPOB’s denial introduced a dispute over the credibility of the reported threat, with the police document alleging preparations for a renewed shutdown while the group insisted that the claims were fabricated.

The police had not publicly responded to IPOB’s denial in the reports reviewed for this story.

The development has renewed attention on the security and economic implications of sit-at-home orders in the South-East, where shutdowns can disrupt businesses, transportation, schools and other daily activities.

For residents and business owners, the central question remains whether the reported threat reflects an actual plan or an unsubstantiated warning. Until further evidence or an official clarification emerges, the allegation remains contested.